New Zealand Meat Exporters Upset Over Being Shut Out of Chinese Market

New Zealand meat exporters say they are still largely shut out of China’s beef market five years after the two countries signed a free trade deal. The beef exporters say it is costing them millions in lost sales and they are frustrated the Government isn’t doing more to unlock the potentially lucrative market.

Dairy exports and sheep meat sales have surged since the free trade deal was signed in 2008, beef exports remain largely shut out. Trade Minister Tim Groser recently sent a letter about the matter to his Chinese counterpart. Some exporters spoken to by Radio New Zealand say they are frustrated that the Government didn’t take a harder stance earlier on. They say there is huge demand for beef in China which they cannot fill because they are being blocked by Chinese authorities.